Life review in palliative care

The authors discuss the theory behind the process of life review and how it can assist people requiring palliative care to resolve the 'crisis' of ego-integrity versus despair.

The aspirations of many people are destroyed with the onset of a life-threatening illness. Anticipated life trajectories and perceptions that people have of themselves must be altered, as the prospect of growing old becomes unattainable. Such news may often leave people bewildered and yearning for a future that is different to the one they now face. They may harbour feelings of regret, helplessness and hopelessness.